Estelon Alfred Vassilkov Limited YB Mk II User manual

from Alfred & Partners
Model YB Mk II
Limited Edition
CHAMPAGNE GOLD
Designed
by Alfred Vassilkov
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___________________!
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Serial Number _________
Only 50 pairs of the Limited Edition
“Champagne Gold” Model YB are
available worldwide!

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Your ESTELON loudspeakers have passed our quality
control:
– Technical test passed.
Engineer, Estelon
– Listening test passed.
Alfred Vassilkov
Head of Research & Development, Estelon

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Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................... 4
1.1. ALFRED &PARTNERS OÜ ................................................................... 4
1.2. ESTELON YB MK II..................................................................................6
1.2.1. Cabinet Design...........................................................................7
1.2.2. Transducers..................................................................................8
1.2.3. Crossovers......................................................................................9
1.2.4. Finish...............................................................................................10
2. SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................... 11
3. UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS.........................................................12
4. SET-UP.............................................................................................................14
4.1. INITIAL POSITIONING IN THE ROOM ...............................................14
4.2. INSTALLING THE SPIKES .....................................................................15
4.3. WIRING .....................................................................................................19
4.4. BREAK-IN PERIOD ...............................................................................19
4.5. SET-UP RECOMMENDATIONS BY ALFRED VASSILKOV ........19
5. TAKING CARE OF YOUR ESTELON SPEAKERS..............20
6. ESTELON / ALFRED & PARTNERS OÜ – TECHNICAL
SERVICES............................................................................................................ 21

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Alfred & Partners OÜ
Alfred & Partners, the Tallinn-based design studio, think-tank,
and owner of Estelon, is not simply a business but a passionate
dedication to a single, heartfelt idea: the development and
manufacturing of instruments capable of unveiling the rich, emotional
tapestry of music in a personally involving and captivating way.
For more than 35 years Electro-acoustics Engineer and
company founder, Alfred Vassilkov, has been relentlessly designing
loudspeakers. His designs have been awarded numerous patents while
also achieving much success in Europe. In 2010 a decision was made:
to establish his own brand based on his extensive experience,
knowledge, and relentless passion.
Alfred Vassilkov, the Designer and Founder of Estelon

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Such dedication carries the implicit responsibility of a wholly
uncompromising approach to audio design. Pride of craftsmanship
shares equal footing with sonic innovation. Alfred Vassilkov’s visionary
achievements along with his tireless drive and quest for musical truth,
created an innovative brand of loudspeakers whose products offer
unrivalled musicality and incomparable beauty: Estelon. More
importantly, Estelon offers a distinctive key that assists listeners in
unlocking the vast structure of emotion through music.
For the Estelon brand, the visionary development started in
2006 when Alfred started analyzing materials and technologies for
producing cabinets with streamlined shapes that could not only
reproduce the best sound but also assimilate into home interiors with
an elegant, sculptured look. Years of research and development led
him to a proprietary, crushed marble-based composite. The material,
having excellent stiffness and anti-resonant attributes, as well as
various technical advantages, allows the creation of molded cabinets
with a purposeful design that enhances the sound quality of the entire
audio system. Estelon’s unique Y-shaped cabinet creates the ideal
conditions for sound reproduction. Its smooth form eliminates corner
reflections. A sculpted narrowing of the area where high frequency
emanates helps achieve 0 degrees phase at the listening position,
while the cabinet’s larger radiuses create controlled directivity of the
propagating soundwaves. The cabinet then becomes wider and
deeper at its base for both stability and to allow effective low-frequency
reproduction.
Every loudspeaker produced must pass Alfred & Partners'
extreme level of quality control. Each pair of loudspeakers is completely
hand-built, painted, assembled, tuned, tested, and then listened to
individually. All Estelon products are meticulously handmade in
Estonia, to the company’s exacting standards.

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1.2. Estelon YB Mk II
The distinctive style of YB Mk II is a masterpiece of sleek
design. With an emphasis on lines and surfaces the resulting Y shape,
from which the YB name derives, is obtained by the system’s
asymmetric driver positioning. The Estelon YB Mk II suits perfectly in
contemporary interiors providing luxury, elegance, and performance.
Paramount among the physical design elements is the use of
the unique Y shape cabinet form. Its design and construction allow it
to easily couple with non-acoustically treated listening areas (i.e.
normal living spaces). Premium quality components in separate
chambers, state-of-the-art carbon-fiber resonant control, and applied
isolation technology along with top-quality dampening materials, are
all contributing factors to an exhilarating audio experience.
Many years have passed since the genesis of the Estelon, and
much has been learned while embodying all achievements. The roots
and choices have evolved into the Estelon sound. With the YB Mk II, the
most beloved element of Estelon products has been reaffirmed again:
simplicity. Featuring “minimalistic” second-order crossovers and the
refined combination of the selected drivers and the acoustical
attributes of the enclosure, has allowed Estelon to achieve their
signature sound along with enhanced performance qualities.
The YB Mk II is a speaker designed for smaller listening rooms
[suggested room size 16-45 m²(170-480 square feet)]. It provides
exceptionally wide imaging, deep sound stage, and thrilling life-like
dynamics. It is far more than speaker drivers in a cabinet. It is a genuine
musical instrument in its own right, and when carefully integrated into
a system and listening space, it is capable of connecting the listener to
the music in a most profound and transcending way. Everything is
expressed naturally, balanced, and emotionally engaging. The YB Mk II

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possesses an eminently musical temperament that is immediately
evident upon your first audition and every subsequent listening
experience.
The YB Mk II will surprise the listener with the extremely
defined and unexpectedly deep bass, clear and articulate mid-range,
and musically detailed and dynamic high frequencies. The YB Mk II is
capable of reproducing the finest nuances of music.
1.2.1. Cabinet Design
Chief among the physical design elements of the YB Mk II is
the use of the Y-shaped cabinet form that has been developed and
honed over many years of research and testing in order to find the right
material that would allow the highest quality of cabinet and
construction for the loudspeaker’s acoustically engineered shape.
The cabinet is extremely rigid, highly dense, resonant-free,
and with exceptional internal dampening and acoustical control. This
is the result of time-honoured construction techniques, a special
casting process, the use of a proprietary marble-based composite
along with the extensive use of sub-structural stiffening spars that
break up resonance nodes and create an internal acoustic chamber of
non-parallel sidewalls that is all but immune to unwanted standing
waves that can cause a coloured sound. This is why the Estelon
speakers reproduce a very natural and balanced sound. During the
final hand-assembly process each speaker is individually tuned to
maintain uniformity from unit to unit. Unusual in its defined form, the
results of this cabinet construction allows it to be easily paired even in
an acoustically-untreated room, allowing the bass to roll effortlessly
into the listening space.

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1.2.2. Transducers
The high-quality drivers from Scan-Speak and SEAS
employed, are a statement of transducer design. A 220 mm (8.6 inches)
SEAS woofer with an extremely lightweight and stiff aluminium cone
provides tremendous bass precision. The cone and the low-loss rubber
surround show no sign of the familiar cone edge resonance and
distortion associated with soft cones. The mid-woofer is a Scan-Speak
“Revelator” 148 mm (5.8 inches) sliced paper cone. The slices are filled
with damping glue, which reduces drastically the break-up modes in
the diaphragm. This leads to less overall distortion in the mid-range
frequencies, and the sound is clear and accurate. The tweeter is a 25
mm (1 inch) beryllium “Illuminator” driver from Scan-Speak. Beryllium
is a material characterized by great stiffness, lightweight and high
damping. It has very low distortion and a distinct clarity that brings out
the best of any musical genre.
In our loudspeakers, through the properly designed
crossover, the drivers simply disappear, and only the music remains. It
is like being present at a live concert where one can hear the
instruments but not the speakers reproducing the sound. The Estelon
loudspeakers offer a new way of relaxed listening, and you get to sense
all the details that you have never heard before on your old records and
digital music. You will be immersed in acoustical spaces with a “live” 3D
presence that was never there before.
Each drive unit is “broken-in” by running an audio signal
through them for several hours before selecting matching drivers for
each pair of speakers. When the drivers are in matching pairs, another
“break-in” with an audio signal is conducted. Finally, drivers are fitted
into the finished cabinet for individual tuning.

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1.2.3. Crossovers
The crossovers are mounted in a special isolated chamber to
reduce the microphonic effect and vibration influence. Each crossover
construction process involves careful attention from our engineers and
designers, where every process is carefully measured, and each
component is tested to make sure that the final outcome is perfect. In
addition to technical measurements, there is also a final listening and
evaluation process done by our highly experienced engineers. The
Estelon YB Mk II has a finely tuned crossover. It is second-order,
allowing it to be incredibly fast and with perfect phase transition. The
crossover point of the tweeter and mid-woofer is at 2 kHz and between
the mid-woofer and woofer at 80Hz.
We use transformer-core coils, OFC (oxygen-free copper) coils
and Mundorf Silver-Gold-Oil capacitors, and all of which are measured
to extremely tight tolerances before using in the crossover production.
To maintain the smallest of details in the audio signal, direct mounting
techniques are used with hand-soldered connections with short cable
runs to each respective driver and binging posts. All internal cabling is
of the highest quality and from the renowned cable manufacturer
Kubala-Sosna. The connectors are strong and stable and are provided
by Furutech.

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1.2.4. Finish
Just as in the making of a great musical instrument, the finish
has also an influence on the outcome. Because of the highly
sophisticated cabinet shape, all the processes in the finishing stage are
hand-made with extreme care by highly experienced specialists using
the best technology and procedures. After casting the proprietary
marble-based composite, it is allowed to age. Then the preparation of
the surface of the cabinet commences by hand sanding and by sealing
layer upon layer through an elaborate and time-consuming procedure.
Finally, the multiple coats of the lacquer finish are applied along with
the final polishing to a mirror-like finish. The Estelon YB Mk II is offered
in a choice of liquid gloss, matte, or the optional premium finishes.

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2. SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE:
DRIVERS:
Woofer:
Mid-woofer:
Tweeter:
INTERNAL WIRING:
FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
POWER RATING:
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE:
SENSITIVITY:
MINIMAL AMPLIFIER POWER:
DIMENSIONS:
NET WEIGHT:
SHIPPING WEIGHT:
3-way passive speaker, sealed
box
220 mm (8 inches) SEAS,
aluminium cone
148 mm (5.8 inches) Scan-
Speak, sliced paper cone
“Revelator”
25 mm (1 inch) Scan-Speak,
beryllium dome “Illuminator”
Kubala-Sosna
30-40 000 Hz
150 Watts
6 ohms
86 dB / 2.83 V
30 Watts
Height: 1260 mm (49 inches)
Width: 332 mm (13 inches)
Depth: 394 mm (15.5 inches)
45 kg (99 lbs.) per piece
126 kg (278 lbs.) pair

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3. UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Your Estelon Model YB loudspeakers come packaged in 2
separate carton boxes. For shipping, both boxes are packed in one
plywood crate. The crate is collapsible for easier storage. We
recommend keeping the original packaging for possible future
transportation. Due to the substantial weight and slippery surface of
the loudspeakers, we suggest that
two able-bodied individuals assist in
the unpacking and positioning process
.
Content of the crate:
• 2 loudspeakers - 2 boxes: Left unit - 1 box / Right unit - 1 box
• 2 sets of spikes (8 pieces)
• 2 pairs of gloves
• 1 polishing cloth
• 1 user’s manual
• 1 special fabric wrapped cover/grille (Woofer)
• 1 special fabric wrapped cover/grille (Mid-woofer)
• 1 special fabric wrapped cover/grille (Tweeter)
For unpacking, please follow the instructions described below
and as shown in the drawings.
1. Bring the crate for unpacking as close as possible to the speakers
positioning point.
2. Remove screws to open all locks from the bottom of the crate. This
should be done with the crate in a horizontal position. (drawing 1)
3. Carefully lift and remove the cover from the crate as shown in
drawing 2. Please put on the gloves that you will find in the crate.

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4. Lift the box with the speaker to a vertical position as shown in
drawing 3. Lift the box gently while the other person supports the
box from the other side. Elevate the box with the speaker to a
vertical position. Pay attention to the Speaker Top signs.
5. Remove the belts (drawing 4) and then remove the carton.
(drawing 5)
6. Move the speaker carefully to the desired position in your room.
Please make sure the right speaker is placed on the right side and
the left speaker on the left side as shown in drawing 6.
7. Carefully remove the cloth bag.
8. Place the special fabric wrapped covers/grilles on the drivers to
protect from dust and damage. They can be placed magnetically
on the driver rims.

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4. SET-UP
4.1. Initial positioning in the room
Model YB Mk II – Suggested room size 16-45 m²(170-480 square feet).
When positioning the speakers in your room, it is advised to
allow enough ”free” space around the speakers to minimize sound
reflections from walls, furniture, etc. This will contribute to achieving
correct tonality, realistic imaging, focus, and dynamics. The
recommended minimum distance between the speaker and the back
wall is 0.5 m (1.6 ft). The distance of the tweeter to the back and side
walls should not be the same.
Listening point: the distance between the floor and your ears
should be approx. 1 m (3 ft), while the distance between the listener and
the speakers should be similar to the distance between the two
speakers.
The positioning of the speakers in the room must be
symmetrical for achieving a balanced sound stage. This is particularly
important in a narrow space. The distance between the speakers
should be approx. 2.2 – 3.5 m (7.2 – 11.4 ft) depending on the size of the
room and its reverberation characteristics. The recommended
speaker’s direction is approx. 7°, off-axis, towards the listening position
(depending on the room acoustics).
The bass driver is positioned in an angle, facing the other
loudspeaker. In smaller rooms, the loudspeakers are often located near
the sidewalls and part of the midrange frequencies reflect on the walls
and add colouration to the sound. The stereo image can also be
impaired. The angled woofer position assists in reducing the reflections

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so that the audio signal remains pure within a realistic sound stage. For
this reason, the left and right speakers are in a mirror-like position.
In difficult acoustic conditions (very small rooms or when walls
are too close) we suggest trying to use the speakers in opposite
positions (L <-> R) so that the woofers are facing opposite directions.
Please contact your dealer for consultation on how to
improve your room acoustics.
4.2. Installing the spikes
Depending on the type of floor in the listening room, there are
2 options for the stabilization of the speaker. The Estelon YB Mk II is
shipped with the metal bases preinstalled on the base of the speakers
which are ideal for hard surfaces.
For carpeted floors
replace the metal bases with the spikes
in
order to pierce through the carpet to the hard flooring underneath.
Please
replace the metal bases on one side of each loudspeaker at a
time
following the instructions described below and as shown in the
drawings:
1. One person should carefully tilt the speaker against himself/herself
and hold it in this position (drawing 7), while the other person
removes (unscrew) the two isolation feet as shown in drawing 8.
Please
make sure the edge of the speaker's bottom does not touch
the floor
during this process.

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7
8

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2. Now remove the flat metal bases by pulling them out of the
isolation feet, and then insert the spikes
into the bottom of each
isolation foot
until firmly seated as shown in drawing 9.
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3. Once you have attached the spikes to the isolation feet (drawing
10), please
locate the isolation feet holes
on the base of the speaker
(drawing 11).
10 11

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4. Finally, screw the isolation feet into the specific holes as shown in
drawing 12.
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Repeat the process for replacing the rest of the metal bases
on that loudspeaker, and then repeat this process for the other
loudspeaker until both loudspeakers are standing on their spikes.
In case of an uneven floor please slightly
unscrew the isolation
feet that do not touch the floor
. It is recommended to unscrew the 2
“free” diagonally positioned isolation feet with the same amount of
“turns” in order to achieve good stability and a properly levelled
loudspeaker. Proper use of the isolation feet and spikes/metal bases
will achieve accurate audio reproduction with fast and deep bass,
focused imaging, and avoiding colouration in the midrange
frequencies.

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4.3. Wiring
When connecting the speaker to the amplifier please make
sure that the amplifier is in the off position. Connect the speaker cable
to the pole terminal on the back of the speaker: speaker terminal „+“
with the amplifier terminal „+“ and „–“ with „–“. For signal flow, please
follow the direction marked on the cable or in the cable manufacturer’s
instruction. Typically, the signal flow is in the same direction as the
labelling/writing on the cable.
4.4. Break-in period
Although all Estelon speakers have an initial “break-in” at the
factory, due to shipping conditions and pressure/temperature changes
that may have incurred, the speakers will need to go through an
additional “break-in” process before their final set-up. All the
mechanical and electrical connections will stabilize naturally after
playing a continuous music signal for approx. 24 hours – e.g. use a
digital source on repeat mode. After the initial “break-in” period, you
can start setting-up the sound according to Alfred Vassilkov’s
recommendations. Please note that the speakers should reach their
optimum level of performance after about 300-400 hours of use.
4.5. Set-up recommendations by Alfred Vassilkov
The set-up of the sound consists of the balance between
different parameters such as tonality, bass accuracy, focus, stage
imaging, depth, etc. The time required for this process depends on the
listener’s experience and skills. Proper set-up will maximize the
speakers’ performance. During the final set-up, small adjustments may

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be made to the initial chosen position, e.g. moving the speakers 10 cm
towards the front wall, etc. Please evaluate the sound carefully every
time you make a small change in the positioning. Continue making
small changes in the positioning and evaluate again until the proper
position with a balanced, natural sound is found. We suggest that you
test and listen to various musical pieces from different genres to avoid
specific sonic accents.
Please keep in mind when changing the position of your
speakers:
• Close proximity to the back wall and corners will reinforce, enhance,
the bass performance.
• A shorter distance between the two speakers will create better focus
and deeper imaging but will reduce the width of the stereo image.
• Pointing the speakers inwards minimizes reflections from the side
walls but has an impact on the stereo image.
Once you have located the ideal position, replace the wheels
with the spiked cones or isolation feet that are included in the case.
Before critical listening, please allow 60-90 minutes of playback for
system-stabilization. When listening at an excessive volume you risk
damaging the drivers.
5. TAKING CARE OF YOUR ESTELON SPEAKERS
The multi-coated finish applied to Estelon speakers is
considered the most advanced automotive finish available. It is
extremely strong and durable. In order to maintain the speakers’
immaculate appearance, special cleaning cloths are provided with
your Estelon loudspeakers. Please note that only dry cleaning is
allowed. Do not wash the speakers. In case of a smudge/spot, please
use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the smudges before the final